Recycling of Aluminosilicate-Based Solid Wastes through Alkali-Activation: Preparation, Characterization, and Challenges
Lichao Feng,
Shengjie Yi,
Shuyuan Zhao,
Qiucheng Zhong,
Feirong Ren,
Chen Liu,
Yu Zhang,
Wenshou Wang,
Ning Xie,
Zhenming Li,
Na Cui
Affiliations
Lichao Feng
Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute and School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
Shengjie Yi
Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute and School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
Shuyuan Zhao
National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China
Qiucheng Zhong
Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute and School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
Feirong Ren
Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute and School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
Chen Liu
Department of Materials and Environment (Microlab), Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Yu Zhang
Department of Materials and Environment (Microlab), Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Wenshou Wang
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
Ning Xie
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
Zhenming Li
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
Na Cui
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
Recycling aluminosilicate-based solid wastes is imperative to realize the sustainable development of constructions. By using alkali activation technology, aluminosilicate-based solid wastes, such as furnace slag, fly ash, red mud, and most of the bio-ashes, can be turned into alternative binder materials to Portland cement to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction and maintenance activities of concrete structures. In this paper, the chemistry involved in the formation of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) and the influential factors of their properties are briefly reviewed. The commonly used methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and X-ray pair distribution function technology, to characterize the microstructure of AAMs are introduced. Typical characterization results of AAMs are shown and the limitations of each method are discussed. The main challenges, such as shrinkage, creep, efflorescence, carbonation, alkali–silica reaction, and chloride ingress, to conquer for a wider application of AAMs are reviewed. It is shown that several performances of AAMs under certain circumstances seem to be less satisfactory than traditional portland cement systems. Existing strategies to improve these performances are reviewed, and recommendations for future studies are given.
